UNEDITED
When Leon Saint-Laurent receives a wedding invitation in the mail, he soon realizes nothing's fair in love and life.
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Eliza is set on marrying James. She wants to step into a new chapter of her life. One where she can forget the past a...
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Leon
In the morning, Liz and I wake up enraptured in each other's arms. There's something raw about feeling her bare skin against mine. Something about the warm glow from the sun streaking across her beautiful face. I bury my face into the crook of her neck, breathing in the smell of her skin. Peaches and vanilla.
I'm still stuck in a state of disbelief. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I'll never take Liz and the love we share for granted. I'll never take this second chance for granted.
Slowly, I unwind myself from Liz and sit up, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. I rub my tired eyes, stretching out my fluid muscles. For the first time in years, I'm relaxed and my body, mind, and soul are satisfied.
"God," I hear from behind. "What the hell is with your back muscles? They're so unfair." I feel Liz's fingers trace down my spine. At the small of my back, she flattens her palm against my skin. She massages the muscles. "God, they even feel powerful."
I glance over my shoulder, smiling down at her beloved face. "This is why people should consider golf a sport."
She props herself up on her elbow, staring me down. "There's no way all those muscles are from golf."
"They're not," I laugh. "I work out whenever my schedule allows me to. I have to stay in shape for the tournaments."
"That," she smiles, "I can believe." She extends her arm, turning her palm to the ceiling. "Come here."
I'm drawn to her like a magnet. Although I want to get dressed and make her breakfast, I can't say no to her; I lay down beside her and snuggle close, making sure our bodies are pressed together. Feeling the heat of her body and the softness of her skin is intoxicating. Liz tangles her fingers in my hair and then slides them down to trace the features of my face.
"I've missed you," she murmurs.
I wrap my arms around her and press a kiss to her forehead. Somewhere in my consciousness, I'm concerned about the consequences we're going to face. The absence of a condom or some form of birth control can only result in one thing: a baby. I shove that thought away for now—we'll discuss it when things have cooled down. When she's delivered the killing blow to James.
"Good morning," she whispers, cupping my face.
"Morning," I smile.
"Last night," she continues. "Was the best night of my life, Leon."
A dreamy sigh escapes my lips. I'm not going to lose sight of reality here—we still have to deal with James—but I can accept this is more than two consenting adults engaging in a temporary sexual relationship. No, there are sticky feelings between Liz and I, just as there are white picket fences in the future. This isn't some situation that's going to run its course. This is real, pure love. Liz and I have scored our second chance to reach the relationship we've always wanted.
